Driving In Flip Flops Could Land You With A Fine, Penalty Points Or Road Ban

As summer gets closer, we're ready for sunshine now that our bikinis, flip flops and shorts have been dug out the depths of our wardrobes.

But while we're so ready to make the most of the sunnier weather, drivers are once again being urged to ensure their driving attire is up to scratch in the summer months so they don't get landed with a hefty fine.

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You can be fined, have points added on to your licence and even be banned from driving for getting behind the wheel in inappropriate footwear.

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According to the official DVLA website, drivers must ensure their "clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner" before they set off driving under rule number 97 of the highway code.

While they might not technically be illegal to drive in, flip flops can easily come off your feet or become wedged under the pedals and go against the above guidelines so it's best not to wear them.

If you often slip on the nearest pair of shoes as you pop to the shops, you must ensure they are safe for driving in and give you full control of the pedals.

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And if you're caught for careless driving in a pair of flip flops, you may be fined £100 and have three points added to your licence.

But if you're involved in a more serious accident or contest the charge in court, the fine may rise up to £5,000, nine penalty points or even a driving ban.

Research by car insurance bran Ingenie in 2018 found 27 per cent of drivers risk a penalty fine by wearing flip flops while in control of a car.

Only a third of those surveyed though it was also illegal to drive in loose fitting footwear, too.

Rachel Andrews

Rachel Andrews is an NCTJ trained Journalist at PRETTY52. She specialises in Fashion and Beauty Journalism, and has experience at a range of online and print publications and joined the team in 2017. Contact her - rachel.andrews@pretty52.com